UAlbany football coach Bob Ford laughs with the media and his coaches after announcing this year's recruiting class during a news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at UAlbany in Albany, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

ALBANY — College football's national signing day, treated like a holiday in some parts of the country, has been just a footnote in the Capital Region for years.

That changed on Wednesday when the University at Albany, upgrading to the Colonial Athletic Association and moving into a new stadium next season, held a news conference for the first time to announce its 21-man recruiting class.

"I hope this is going to be an annual thing, and I hope it's going to grow," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, entering his 41st season. "This is a big deal at a lot of big schools. ... Even in the CAA, they make a big deal out of it, and we should, too, if we're going to play on that level."

While UAlbany isn't done recruiting for next season, the players who have already signed represent seven states and include two Section II players, Shaker running back Ryan Griffin and Queensbury offensive tackle JP McCauley.

They'll be the first UAlbany class to play all four seasons in the CAA, arguably the top league in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision with programs such as James Madison, Delaware, Richmond and New Hampshire.

The Great Danes spent the past 13 years in the Northeast Conference, which gives out fewer scholarships.

UAlbany is increasing to 54 scholarships from 35 in the new conference and Bob Ford emphasized the importance that this incoming class proves to be a good one.

"I think it's very important because we've talked about the schedule and the difference in playing the eight (CAA) teams we're going to play," Ford said. "In those games, depth will be critical, so it's important we hit a pretty good class."

Ford said the new league opened doors in recruiting and so did the construction of the 8,000-seat stadium that's scheduled for completion in time for the home opener against Rhode Island on Sept. 14.

"I think our (coaches) got an opportunity to talk to better kids," Ford said. "That doesn't mean we got them all, but we had an opportunity. So I think that helped. I think as we play this schedule and as we get into the stadium, that will help even more."

However, two UAlbany recruits who signed Wednesday downplayed how much the conference and the stadium weighed into their decision.

Linebacker Marcel Ngachie of Silver Springs, Md. said he chose UAlbany because of its academic offerings, its coaching stability and its family atmosphere.

He also has a close friend, outside linebacker Michael Nicastro, who already plays for the Great Danes.

"Their move to the CAA was a big move," Ngachie said. "It's really great for exposure. It's arguably the best football in (FCS)."

Ngachie, who chose UAlbany over Central Connecticut, said he would have picked the Great Danes even if they still played in the Northeast Conference.

Ngachie said he received early interest from major-college programs such as Virginia, Syracuse and Hawaii before they backed off because of concerns about his lack of size at 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds.

"A lot of people weren't too sure about my height," Ngachie said. "They can feel that way. I know what I can do."

Quarterback Kyle Downer of Oak Hill, Va. said he was attracted to UAlbany's past success and loved the coaching staff, led by Ford.

"He's a character in himself," Downer said. "You don't expect a 75-year-old man to have that much energy, but he's amazing."

Downer, who might redshirt this fall, said he was also offered by James Madison, VMI, St. Francis and Maine.

"In the end, it's the school that sells itself and not so much where they're playing or what (stadium) they're playing in," Downer said.